MTN Nigeria has taken note of
media reports saying that IHS Towers has offered the company improved terms for
the lease of 2,500 sites that match the terms of ATC, which recently won the
contract following a highly competitive bidding process.
The telco said these reports are
not true and MTN has not received any revised offer from HIS, saying it
announced in September that the lease for the 2,500 sites (which was due to
expire in 2024 and 2025) had been awarded to ATC after a very fair and
transparent procurement process.
MTN Nigeria’s Chief Corporate
Services and Sustainability Officer Tobechukwu Okigbo, in a statement, said: “The
agreement with ATC over the 2,500 sites is final, having gone through a
rigorous process involving our highest governance approvals. Our preference is
always for bilateral renewal, subject to competitive pricing and terms. In this
instance the ATC proposal was superior.”
MTN said it will continue to
engage constructively with IHS on further opportunities that arise, including
the renewal of the next vintages of towers that come up for renewals in 2025.
“Other opportunities for value
optimisation will arise and we will undertake a similar exacting process. We
are hopeful that participating parties including IHS will present a compelling
proposition,” Okigbo said.
He dismissed allegations that
contracting the sites to ATC would lead to network disruptions and have a
negative environmental impact: “Such allegations are factually incorrect and
misleading. Tower transfers between two infrastructure companies do not
necessarily lead to network disruption.”
MTN is confident that ATC’s plans
will ensure a smooth transition between towers.
“Through our partnership with ATC, we are
setting the stage for a new era of connectivity in Nigeria, one that not only
meets the growing demands of our customers but also aligns with our focus on
expense efficiencies, commitment to sustainability and environmental
responsibility,” Okigbo said.
MTN expects ATC to adhere
strictly to the guidelines of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and National
Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) regulations
on deploying telecoms sites.
“We are deeply committed to achieving net-zero
emissions and part of the differentiated value ATC provides is a commitment to
operating green sites ensuring significant reduction in carbon emissions.
Contrary to the allegations of harmful environmental impact, the partnership
with ATC will reduce greenhouse gases,” he said.
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